Modular, Patient-Centric Hinged Articulating Spacer System for Revision Knee Arthroplasty

Publication ID: 24-11857424_0010_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular, Patient-Centric Hinged Articulating Spacer System for Revision Knee Arthroplasty,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857424_0010_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857424_0010_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,424.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation, modular hinged articulating spacer system for revision knee arthroplasty, leveraging 3D printing and machine learning to provide personalized, rapidly assembled, and precisely implanted solutions for improved patient outcomes.

Background and Problem Solved

Revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a complex procedure often requiring multiple surgeries. The original hinged articulating spacer system, while effective, has limitations in terms of customization, assembly, and implantation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular, 3D-printed spacer system tailored to individual patient anatomy, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly during surgical procedures.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The modular hinged articulating spacer system consists of interchangeable femur and tibia rod components designed using machine learning algorithms and 3D printed to match individual patient anatomy. The system enables rapid assembly and disassembly during surgical procedures, reducing operation time and improving patient safety. The spacer system is designed to work in conjunction with a computer-aided design system, which uses patient-specific data and surgical parameters to predict optimal spacer system configurations. Additionally, a robotic-assisted surgical system can be used to ensure precise spacer system placement and alignment, and a virtual reality-based training simulator can be employed to refine surgeons' skills.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in revision knee arthroplasty by combining 3D printing, machine learning, and modular design to provide personalized, rapidly assembled, and precisely implanted spacer systems. The inventive step lies in the integration of these technologies to overcome the limitations of traditional spacer systems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different materials or manufacturing techniques, such as bioprinting or injection molding, to create the spacer system components. Additionally, the computer-aided design system could be adapted for use in other surgical procedures, and the robotic-assisted surgical system could be integrated with other surgical tools and instruments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular, patient-centric hinged articulating spacer system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the revision TKA market. The system's ability to provide personalized solutions, reduce operation time, and improve patient outcomes could lead to increased adoption and market share.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/3845
A A61 A61F2/30724
A A61 A61F2/389
A A61 A61F2/3859
A A61 A61F2002/305
A A61 A61F2002/30677
A A61 A61F2310/00011

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically knee revision arthroplasty systems, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, surgical techniques, medical device design, and advanced manufacturing technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic medical device designer with expertise in surgical implant design, 3D printing technologies, computer-aided design, and understanding of patient-specific medical device customization

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's integration of machine learning, 3D printing, and modular design represents predictable technological extensions of the source patent's fundamental hinged articulating spacer system. The core mechanical functionality of the hinged rod and pin connection remains consistent, with the PTD merely adding contemporary digital design and manufacturing techniques. These technological enhancements would be considered routine optimization and incremental improvement within the field of orthopedic surgical device design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Hinged rod system with femur and tibia components connected via a hinge pin
PTD Variation
3D-printed modular rod components tailored to individual patient anatomy
Obviousness Reasoning
Customization of standard medical devices using patient-specific measurements is a known technique, and 3D printing enables precise geometric variations with predictable manufacturing results
Source Patent Element
Basic mechanical articulating spacer with rod and pin connection
PTD Variation
Computer-aided design system using machine learning to optimize spacer configurations
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying computational design optimization to medical device design is a standard engineering approach for improving device performance and patient outcomes
Source Patent Element
Surgical implant system for knee revision
PTD Variation
Robotic-assisted surgical placement and virtual reality training simulator
Obviousness Reasoning
Integration of robotic guidance and simulation technologies represents a predictable technological progression in surgical device implementation
Source Patent Element
Modular surgical spacer with interchangeable components
PTD Variation
Rapid assembly and disassembly design for surgical procedures
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing medical devices for improved surgical efficiency and ease of use is a standard design consideration in medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Basic hinged articulating spacer system
PTD Variation
Alternative manufacturing techniques like bioprinting and injection molding
Obviousness Reasoning
Exploring alternative manufacturing methods for medical devices is a routine design optimization strategy within the field
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857424 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations of the published technical disclosure to be obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103. The incremental technological enhancements represent predictable applications of known techniques in medical device design, computational optimization, and advanced manufacturing, thereby rendering the claimed subject matter obvious to a skilled practitioner in the field.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,424
TitleHinged articulating spacer system for revision knee arthroplasty